These events are from March - May. Plan your trip to coincide with these events, festivals and events.
MARCH:
- LA RUTA MAYA CANOE RACE
- March 8 – 11, 2007
- This race, which retraces the river route of the Ancient Mayans, starts in San Ignacio and ends in Belize City. Known as the "longest canoe race in Central America," this 4-day competition includes travel from West to East along the Macal and Belize rivers.
- There are 7 categories based on age, gender and canoe-type. Entry fees are $125 and the reward for the winning canoe is $3,000 as well as prizes for other categories.
- What's even better is that all proceeds go to environmental groups that help clean, preserve and sustain the rivers.
- La Ruta Maya Canoe Race Headquarters:
- 501-824-2444 (international long distance)
- www.larutamayabelize.com
***
- BARON BLISS DAY
- March 9, 2007
- Baron Bliss, or Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, was able to collect more than 2 million dollars to help the citizens of Belize back in the early 20th century. With this money, he developed the Bliss Insitute of Performin Arts, a museum, a library, a research center and the Bliss Lighthouse, where he is buried. In his honor, Belize celebrates Baron Bliss Day every March 9.
***
- SAN CAS BELMOPAN CYCLING CLASSIC
- March 12, 2007
- An annual race that goes to Belmopan from Belize City, and back.
****************************************
APRIL:
- HOLY SATURDAY CROSS COUNTRY CYCLING CLASSIC
- April 7, 2007
- Belize's biggest cycling event, the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic is an 140-mile amateur race held during Holy Week every year.
***
- BURRELL BOOM CYCLE & HORSE RACES
- Easter Monday, 2007
- The cycling race starts in Belize City and ends in Burrell Bloom. This annual race is followed by a horse race, food and music.
***
- SAN JOSE SUCCOTZ FESTIVAL
- Celebrated in April, this festival celebrates the patron saint of San Jose, a Mopan Mayan Village surrounded by lush rainforest. There will be entertaining, food, rides and marimba music.
****************************************
MAY:
- CASHEW FESTIVAL
- Held in the first weekend of May, the Cashew Festival is celebrated at the Crooked Tree Village in Corozal. It's not a commonly fact but the cashew actually provides a fruit that can be made into jam, jellies, wine, vinegar and preserves, as well as the nut. Music, food, and the crowning of the Cashew Queen take place during this event.
***
- CAYO EXPO
- Held in San Ignacio, the Cayo Expo provides visitors a glimpse of local food and arts and crafts.
***
- NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL & TRADE SHOW
- May 25, 2007
- Experience rodeo, food, local crafts, music and livestock in Belmopan.
***
- PLACENCIA MOUNTAIN BIKE CLASSIC
- May 26, 2007
- Another grueling international bike competition starting in Belize City and ending in Plancencia.
****************************************
To find out more information about these events, contact the Belize Tourism Board:
- New Central Bank Building, Level 2
- Gabourel Lane, Box 325
- Belize City, Belize
- 501-223-1913
- www.travelbelize.org
- info@travelbelize.org
Copyright Portia J. Lino. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Portia J. Lino - Portia J. Lino, a freelance writer living in Honduras, has written weekly columns on topics ranging from Top 40 Music to HIV/AIDS, and ...
